. >> reporter: in 2005, bergoglio was the runner up behind joseph ratzinger to replace the late pope paul john ii. she regarded as a strong defender of catholic doctrine. described by his biographer as a balancing force, he earned a reputation in argentina as a fierce advocate for the poor. >> this is a man of god. a man of evangelization. a man who is a great defender of democracy in a country where democracy is under real stress right now in argentina. >> reporter: his election has sparked excitement in latin america both out of cultural pride and the recognition of the growing importance and influence of that part of the world. >> bergoglio brings latin america to rome and to the world. >> well, the man chosen to lead the roman catholic church has a busy first day. nbc's claudio lavanga is at the vatican this morning. claudio, what's the mood like where you're at right now? >> reporter: well, richard, pope francis had a very early start this morning. he paid an unannounced, unexpected visit to the basilica here in rome. the biggest sanctuaries here in the eternal city, for the amu